WJEC GCSE Biology: Respiration and circulation (Unit 1) overview
An overview of the respiration and circulation content in WJEC GCSE Biology Unit 1 (sections 1.2 and 1.4), mapping aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the respiratory system and gas exchange, the heart and blood vessels, and blood and cardiovascular disease, and how they are examined.
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Jump to a section
This module covers how the body releases energy and how it transports the oxygen, glucose and waste involved. It draws together two sections of WJEC Biology Unit 1: section 1.2 Respiration and the respiratory system and section 1.4 Circulatory system in humans. This page maps the module and links to a focused answer page for each topic.
The respiration and circulation content
- Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Respiration as the release of energy from glucose, the word equations, the uses of energy, and oxygen debt. See Aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
- The respiratory system and gas exchange
- The parts of the respiratory system, the breathing mechanism, and the adaptations of the alveoli. See The respiratory system and gas exchange.
- The heart and blood vessels
- The structure of the heart, the double circulation, and the structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries. See The heart and blood vessels.
- Blood and cardiovascular disease
- The components of blood and their functions, and the risk factors, development and treatment of cardiovascular disease. See Blood and cardiovascular disease.
How this module is examined
This content is assessed on Unit 1, a written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 80 marks and 45% of the qualification, tiered at Foundation and Higher. Expect short answer, structured, data response and extended writing questions, including data on exercise, breathing and disease risk.
How to study this module
Respiration and circulation rewards exact recall and clear reasoning.
- Learn the respiration equations. Aerobic and anaerobic word equations, with the right products on each side.
- Trace the pathway of blood. Practise naming the chambers and vessels in order, both circuits.
- Link structure to function. The alveoli, the heart wall and each vessel are all "structure so function" questions.
- Know the blood components. Red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma, each with its job.
- Explain cardiovascular disease. Narrowed coronary arteries, reduced oxygen to the heart, and the lifestyle risk factors.
For the official specification
WJEC publishes the full specification, past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and WJEC's own past papers.
Sources & how we know this
- WJEC GCSE Biology specification (from 2016) — WJEC (2016)